One of Brazil’s most extraordinary cultural landmarks has just received a major international seal of approval. Inhotim, the renowned open-air contemporary art museum in Brazil, was selected by The New York Times as one of the 52 Places to Go in 2026, securing the 24th position in the newspaper’s highly anticipated annual ranking of must-visit destinations worldwide.
For international travelers planning their next cultural escape, the recognition places Inhotim firmly on the global travel map — and for good reason.
What Is Inhotim and Why It’s So Unique
Located in Brumadinho, about 60 km (37 miles) from Minas Gerais capital, Belo Horizonte, Instituto Inhotim is considered the largest open-air contemporary art museum in Latin America. It combines monumental art installations, striking architectural galleries, and one of the most important botanical gardens in the country, all spread across a vast natural landscape.
According to the New York Times, one of the few “criticisms” of Inhotim is that a single day is simply not enough to experience it fully. The museum houses more than 500 works displayed across 24 architecturally distinct galleries, immersed in lush gardens that showcase Brazil’s biodiversity.
Why 2026 Is a Particularly Special Year to Visit
The NYT’s selection aligns perfectly with a major milestone: Inhotim celebrates 20 years open to the public in 2026. Originally conceived as a private collection, the institution is marking its anniversary with an ambitious cultural program that looks both backward and forward.
The upcoming exhibitions will explore Brazil’s Afro-Amazonian identity and expand the permanent collection with works by artists such as Dalton Paula, Davi de Jesus do Nascimento, Paulo Nazareth, and 22 Indigenous artists from across South America. These new works will dialogue with iconic installations by globally celebrated names like Yayoi Kusama and Hélio Oiticica, reinforcing Inhotim’s position at the intersection of Brazilian and international contemporary art.
Record-Breaking Visitation Signals Growing Global Interest
Inhotim’s international visibility is already translating into numbers. In 2025, the museum recorded its highest visitor count in history, welcoming 357,684 visitors and projecting 361,000 by the end of the year — an 8.5% increase compared to 2024.
According to the museum’s leadership, this growth reflects a strategic institutional transformation initiated in 2022, following the donation of the collection by founder Bernardo Paz. Investments in governance, sponsorships, programming, compliance, and access democratization have strengthened Inhotim’s role both locally and internationally.
Beyond Inhotim: Exploring Minas Gerais
The New York Times also encourages travelers to extend their stay in Minas Gerais. Nearby Belo Horizonte is described as Brazil’s “capital of bars,” famous for its vibrant food scene and social culture. From there, visitors can explore the dramatic landscapes of Serra do Cipó National Park or dive into Brazil’s colonial past through the region’s celebrated baroque churches.
How to Get to Inhotim
For international visitors, reaching Inhotim is straightforward:
- By car: Inhotim is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Belo Horizonte, via BR-381 (direction São Paulo) or approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via BR-040 (direction Rio de Janeiro), with access at Retiro do Chalé.
- By plane: Fly into Belo Horizonte–Confins International Airport (CNF), then continue by car or private transfer.
- Guided tours: Many operators in Belo Horizonte offer full-day or multi-day guided visits, ideal for travelers short on time.
Extra Tip for Travelers
To expand access during Brazil’s summer holidays, Inhotim will open on Tuesdays in January, traditionally a closed day, offering half-price admission for all visitors — a welcome opportunity for families and tourists visiting during peak season.
